formic acid (HCOOH)

Also known as methanoic acid (its systematic name), a colorless, acrid liquid, which is the simplest and strongest carboxylic acid. Formic acid occurs in the stings of ants and nettles. Formic acid is made (via sodium formate) by heating sodium hydroxide with carbon monoxide under pressure. It is used in tanning, as a latex coagulant, and to reduce dyes. Relative molecular mass: 46.0, melting point 8°C, boiling point 101°C. The aldehyde derivative of formic acid is methanal.

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• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

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